![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6691b3ec2602dc36d21f730a/8e3aa420-c089-4b09-8222-30df18f08252/State+Archives+of+North+Carolina+-+Menhaden+compilation.png)
A BRIEF HISTORY
OF THIS KEY FORAGE FISH
From fertilizer to fish oil to modern ecological management
Menhaden, often called "the most important fish in the sea," are small, oily fish that play a crucial role in marine ecosystems along the Atlantic coast of North America and in the Gulf of Mexico.
There are several species of menhaden, with the Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) and Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) being the most well-known.
These filter-feeding fish typically live for 3-5 years and can grow up to 15 inches in length. Menhaden are born in offshore waters and then migrate to estuaries as larvae, where they develop into juveniles.
As they mature, they form large schools that can be seen from the air, moving up and down the coast with the seasons.
Atlantic menhaden range from Nova Scotia to northern Florida, while Gulf menhaden are found throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
These fish serve as a vital link in the marine food web, converting plankton into a rich source of energy for larger predators, including striped bass, bluefish, whales, and seabirds.
Read on to learn more.
A brief history
Early Use by Native Americans
Native Americans were the first to recognize the value of menhaden, using them as fertilizer for crops.
They taught European settlers to bury menhaden with corn seeds, enhancing soil fertility.
Colonial Era to 19th Century
Colonists adopted the practice of using menhaden as fertilizer, leading to increased agricultural productivity.
By the mid-19th century, menhaden oil became a significant industrial lubricant, replacing whale oil.
The menhaden fishing industry grew rapidly, with hundreds of ships and dozens of factories along the Eastern seaboard.
Industrial Revolution and Peak Fishing
Post-Civil War, menhaden became the largest catch of any American fishery.
The reduction industry boomed, grinding menhaden into fish meal and oil for various products.
Overfishing concerns began to emerge as catches fluctuated and the geographic range of the fishery shrank.
20th Century Challenges
The menhaden population faced increasing pressure from industrial-scale fishing.
Environmental awareness grew, with recognition of menhaden's crucial role in the marine ecosystem.
States began to ban reduction fishing, with Virginia remaining the last Atlantic coast state to allow the practice.
Early Conservation Efforts
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) was established to manage menhaden stocks along the Atlantic coastline.
Despite this, the menhaden population continued to decline due to sustained industrialized fishing practices.
Gulf Menhaden Fishery Development
The Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) fishery developed later than the Atlantic fishery but grew rapidly in the 20th century.
By the 1970s, the Gulf menhaden fishery had become the largest fishery by volume in the United States.
The Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC) was established to coordinate management of Gulf fisheries, including menhaden.
21st Century: Towards Ecological Management
2012: First harvest limits on menhaden in over 100 years were established for Atlantic menhaden.
Increased public awareness of menhaden's importance led to calls for more conservative management in both the Atlantic and Gulf.
Advocacy groups like Menhaden Defenders pushed for ecosystem-based management approaches.
Modern Ecological Reference Points
ASMFC began considering ecological reference points (ERPs) to account for menhaden's role in the ecosystem.
ERPs aim to maintain sufficient menhaden biomass to support predator species like striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish.
In 2020, ASMFC adopted ERPs for Atlantic menhaden, marking a shift towards ecosystem-based fisheries management.
The Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission has been slower to adopt ERPs, but discussions are ongoing about implementing similar ecosystem-based management for Gulf menhaden.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook
Debates continue over appropriate catch limits and the balance between commercial fishing and ecosystem needs in both the Atlantic and Gulf.
Efforts to restore menhaden to their historical abundance and range are ongoing.
The Gulf menhaden fishery faces unique challenges, including concerns about bycatch of other species and the impact of reduction fishing on the Gulf ecosystem.
There is growing pressure to align Gulf menhaden management with the more conservation-oriented approach adopted for Atlantic menhaden.
The future of menhaden management will likely involve continued refinement of ecosystem-based approaches, balancing the needs of the marine ecosystem with sustainable fishing practices.
Interactive timeline
This interactive timeline showcases some significant events in the history of menhaden, from their early use by Native Americans to modern conservation efforts.
While not intended to be comprehensive, it offers a glimpse into the rich story of this crucial fish species – if you have suggestions for additions or improvements to the timeline, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Menhaden Defenders.
The Most Important Fish in the Sea
"The Most Important Fish in the Sea" (2007) by H. Bruce Franklin stands as a seminal work in the field of marine conservation and American environmental history.
In this groundbreaking book, Franklin masterfully unveils the menhaden's pivotal role in shaping both America's economy and its coastal ecosystems.
From its use by Native Americans as fertilizer to its current status as the largest catch in any U.S. fishery, Franklin traces the menhaden's journey through time, revealing its crucial importance as both a foundation of the marine food web and a natural filter for coastal waters.
The book not only explores the threats posed by industrial-scale fishing but also charts the emergence of America's ecological consciousness.
Franklin's engaging prose transforms the story of this humble fish into a compelling narrative that intertwines environmental science, economic history, and conservation ethics.
Sadly, H. Bruce Franklin passed away in 2023, but his legacy lives on through this influential work.
"The Most Important Fish in the Sea" remains an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complex relationship between human industry and marine ecology, offering invaluable insights into one of the most critical yet overlooked species in our oceans.
BECOME A DEFENDER
Join the chorus of American citizens advocating for:
Sustainable, equitable fishing practices
Protection of vital marine ecosystems
Transparent, science-based management
Preservation of coastal community heritage
By providing your email, you agree to receive occasional communications
from Menhaden Defenders and you agree to our terms and conditions.